Hi everyone (but mainly those with experience in the production side of electronic music),

I find myself in the position where I have finally decided to get off my arse and finish the catalogue of unfinished (mastered/mixed to an ear-pleasing extent) IDM-style music I have produced. I'm familiar with midi-controllers, DAW's, mixing and mastering and my hardware is not bad. What I really need at this point is a decent set of monitors. But, I have no Rober Di Niro's, so I have decided to buy a decent set of headphones.

Having read countless online reviews and discussions it seems as though the Audio Technica M50s (at about 130EUR on Amazon) is the way to go. Without sounding like a scrooge, if it were possible achieve a similar quality with a cheaper pair I'm wide open to suggestions.

I realise this topic has probably been broached countless times, but, recessionary headphones are an important investment, a decision not to be taken lightly!

Thanks in advance mo fo's.

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"Now you will not swell the rout, Of lads that wore their honours out, Runners whom renown outran, And the name died before the man. (A.E.Housman)"

Personally I'd say your better off getting some moniters. Decent headphones will cost you as much as a pair of second hand monitors, and in the end mixing down with headphones is never that accurate, unless perhaps you get monitoring headphones, which cost a fucking bomb. I saw a pair of Rokit 5s going on ebay for $180...I'm sure you'll find something decent around the same price.

Thanks from the reply man. I probably should have metioned that the space I'm using isn't the most condusive to the use of monitors (there's an elderly couple on the other side of my wall), though, I know what you mean. If it was a straight up choice, I'd go for the second hand monitors.

Cheers for the nod to the thread.

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"Now you will not swell the rout, Of lads that wore their honours out, Runners whom renown outran, And the name died before the man. (A.E.Housman)"

I actually got some ATH-M50s about a week ago for my birthday for about the same reason. I needed something more comfortable for casual listening, but also something with great sound reproduction for when I decide to mess around with some productions and mixtapes.Of course you're not going to get the same reproduction as a pair of decent studio monitors, but the headphones have an amazing soundstage and are incredibly accurate.

Break them in and you'll love them... I ran about 24 hours of pink noise through mine out of the box and they just keep getting better.

Check out the reviews over at http://www.head-fi.org - the ATH-M50s are ranked #6, amongst headphones that are at least 3x as expensive.

I actually got some ATH-M50s about a week ago for my birthday for about the same reason. I needed something more comfortable for casual listening, but also something with great sound reproduction for when I decide to mess around with some productions and mixtapes.Of course you're not going to get the same reproduction as a pair of decent studio monitors, but the headphones have an amazing soundstage and are incredibly accurate.

Break them in and you'll love them... I ran about 24 hours of pink noise through mine out of the box and they just keep getting better.

Check out the reviews over at http://www.head-fi.org - the ATH-M50s are ranked #6, amongst headphones that are at least 3x as expensive.

Enjoy them, should you decide to spring for them

Cheers man, I think that's sealed the decision. I may just get them from Amazon, though I'd prefer to support local shops, Dublin is an expensive place.

Thanks again.

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"Now you will not swell the rout, Of lads that wore their honours out, Runners whom renown outran, And the name died before the man. (A.E.Housman)"

dt 880pro cost more but is very analytic. perfect for mixing without monitor. worth the price, highly recommend it

edit: damn, stoneage-thread! he probably bought three HPs since posted

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“I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain... Time to die."

Audio Technica M50s - Been using them for about two years now for Studio work as well as DJing. Best Headphones I have ever owned.

I would personally save up for them but if you are looking for headphones that are a bit cheaper, Grado SR-60's. Major complaint with the Grado's is that they are uncomfortable for a lot of use, seemed fine to me, but then again I haven't tested them for the long hours like I have my ATH-M50s.

recently a colleague ripped my headphones off a wallbox and forgot to open the lock. jack and adapter were totally destroyed. beyerdynamics didn't have to but replaced everything within days! that kind of service + outstanding quality

(nope, i don't work for beyerdynamics)

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“I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain... Time to die."

If you are serious/creatively inspired, to get these tracks mixed and produced well, and you cant afford monitors, then cutting corners on headphones is probably not a wise choice. For 50 - 100EUR more you could purchase....

The AKG 702's would be a safe choice. They are semi-open so will be alright for mixing. I personally know two producers (one quite well known) that use these cans for production while travelling, and they love them.

For slightly less, you could grab the Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro's. They are semi-open so are also good for mixing. I own a pair of these and I love them, great for mixng and tracking on the move.

As always, its all gonna be about luck of the draw unless you do what some serious headphonephiles do, and that is order a whole bunch online (once you've made sure they accept returns), try them out, and send back the ones you're not satisfied with. Also remember that headphones (especially when used for audio production) may require a 'burn in' period of 100 - 200 hours. It is a controversial subject, but if you're serious about audio production then I have never seen any harm in leaving your new headphones alone for a week before using them. Heres a link that may help: